Siteia

Beautiful Siteia town, birthplace of the great medieval poet Vitsentzos Kornaros [Vincenzo Cornaro] is located 70 km off Agios Nikolaos (the biggest town in Lasithi). It is built amphitheatrically with elegant buildings ending at a busy port; an ideal choice for relaxed vacations all year round.

The “Governor’s House”; the 13th century Venetian Kazarma fortress; Analipsi tou Sotira chapel; the Archaeological Museum with finds from the wider Siteia area spanning all historical periods; and the Folk Art Museum with a rich collection of textiles, traditional tools and costumes.

At a short distance:

You will find the early Minoan settlement, in Petras village (2 km E) that includes a palatial complex (0.3 ha), ruins of houses, cyclopean walls etc. The house of V. Kornaros is nearby.

The winery of the Union of Agricultural Cooperatives of Siteia.

Agioi Pantes gorge.

Stavromenos village (7 km S) offering a beautiful view of Siteia Bay.

The unique, ellipse-shaped Minoan house close to Chamezi village (11 km W).

Siteia’s Venetian ruins on Liopetro hill offering fine views.

Sandali village with the plane trees and spring waters; Katsidoni and Zou villages where there is a remarkable Minoan house in a gully amid lush vegetation and springs.

Peristeras Cave, another location of Minoan finds near Karydi village (18 km SE).

The ancient Praisos archaeological site, near Nea Praisos village.

Dionysiades, three islets providing a haven for the species Eleonora’s falcon (Falco eleonorae).

Where to smim

If you’re into swimming, start by the nearby beaches in Petras and Agia Fotia. Chiona and Erimoupoli, offering a view to Elasa isle, are also worth your visit. Windsurfing fans will prefer Kouremenos beach in Palaikastro, whereas scuba diving fans will find their paradise in Kavo Sidero.

Needless to say, a visit to the famous Vai (94 km NE of Agios Nikolaos), the palm-tree forest and the lovely beach is a must. Make sure your programme includes a visit to ancient Itanos – a major town when Dorians ruled Crete- and the historic Toplou Monastery dedicated to Panagia Akrotiriani.

If you have enough time, visit Kato Zakros and the well known Minoan Palace as well as Xirokampos where you will find a beach of exotic beauty.

If boating is to your liking, you can go on a trip to Gaidouronisi (Chrysi) – located at a short distance from cape Goudouras; you will find some amazing white sandy beaches, purple dye murex sea snails and cedar trees.

Visitgreece.gr is the official tourism web site for Greece, run by the Greek National Tourism Organisation, where you'll find information on the main tourist destinations, such as cities, beaches, as well as activities, events and much more!